Northern Division beaches and bays saw an influx of more than 400,000 visitors for the July 4 holiday, according to San Diego Police Department Capt. Brian Ahearn.

“Despite the large crowds at the beaches, bays, parks and entertainment district, the holiday was a safe and enjoyable one for visitors and residents alike,” he said. “This is attributable to the successful ongoing relationships between citizen groups and city departments, as well as cooperative efforts and preplanning between police, fire, lifeguards and Park and Rec Department employees.”

According to SDPD’s statistics covering the two-day holiday period from 7 a.m. July 3 through 11 p.m. on July 4, officers made six felony arrests, 41 misdemeanor arrests, issued 101 misdemeanor alcohol citations and issued 36 citations for offenses other than alcohol. Officers also cited nine minors for possession of alcohol and issued 197 traffic citations and 57 parking citations.

— Mariko LambPeninsula planners look to fill board vacancy

The Peninsula Community Planning Board (PCPB) intends to fill a vacancy by board appointment during the group’s scheduled July 19 meeting. The vacant term is for three years.

As a result, PCPB members are seeking eligible candidates to serve out the remainder of the board term.

To be eligible, a candidate must be 18 years of age and reside, own property, or operate a business within the PCPB’s boundaries. The PCPB meets once a month and has various subcommittees that also meet on a regular basis.

Producers of the hit reality-TV show “The Biggest Loser” will hold an “open call” on Saturday, July 21 for contestants in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to lose weight and compete to win $250,000. The open call takes place at NTC venues at Liberty Station, 2640 Historic Decatur Road.

The open call is part of a 13-city cross-country search to find contestants for the 14th season of the show. The open call takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For information on how to apply to the show and submit a videotape, visit www.nbs.com/casting or www.thebiggestlosercasting.com.

Free electronics recycling event is July 22

Reconstruction Warehouse will sponsor a free electronics recycling drop-off day on Sunday, July 22 in partnership with All-Green Electronics, Inc. at the Reconstruction Warehouse location, 3341 Hancock St. in the Midway District. Money made from the recycling will go to benefit the Community Coaching Center, a children’s autism center in San Diego.

The event takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information and a list of recyclables that can be accepted, call (619) 795-7326, or visit www.reconstructionwarehouse.com.

Foundation ramps up fundraising plans

Residents interested in joining The Ocean Beach Community Foundation (OBCF) in its mission to preserve, educate and improve the quality of life in Ocean Beach are being asked to get involved.

The OBCF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that partners with local businesses and corporations to raise money and increase resources for Ocean Beach.

One of the group’s main goals is fundraising. In a recent example, OBCF partnered with Raglan Public House to raise funds for the Ocean Beach fireworks celebration. Patrons abounded at the standing-room-only event, and local businesses have expressed excitement at hosting similar fundraising events.

The Point Loma American Cancer Society Discovery Shop will feature a variety of clothing, accessories and decor at its “Into The Wild” event on Friday, July 20 (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and Saturday, July 21 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

Proceeds go to cancer education and research. Free wigs and head coverings are available to cancer victims. Donations and new volunteers are welcome.

The store is located at 3609 Midway Drive, Suite C. For more information, call (619) 224-4336.